The first steps have been taken in organising the 2005 Middlesbrough Mela.

The event, one of the most spectacular multi-cultural events in the North-east, will be held on July 17, in Albert Park. A 12-strong committee was appointed at the recent annual meeting of the Mela. Officers elected included chairman Sharday Malik, vice-chairman Zafar Uddin, secretary Roxana Rauf and treasurer Kash Patel.